Starting a new build for gaming/HTPC AMD or Intel

[leglez]

I am beginning to look at parts for a new build. I'm currently running a Q6600, but have recently started doing all my work on my macbook. I will be using this computer for gaming (Battlefield 3), and as an HTPC (Music, netflix, hulu, youtube). I began researching CPUs, and am not 100% sure which is the better bang for your buck at the current time. With my current build Intel was the best option at the time. With my build before that AMD was the best option at that time. I am seeing that you can purchase a 6 core AMD, or 4 Core Intel for around the same price. What would give better performance, an i5-2500k (Intel 4 Core 3.3GHz $224.99) or a 1090T (AMD 6 Core 3.2GHz $189.99)

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Skott]

Well, as far as gaming performance only goes right now the Intel 4 core is the better way to go. If you go Intel get a Z68 mobo. That way you can get the IB chip when it launches. All you'll need to do is update your mobo BIOS when the time comes. The P67 mobos will also be gradable supposedly but its more dependent on the mobo model. The Z68 mobos are more of a sure thing from whats being said.

If you are building now, this month, and you decide for whatever reason that you want AMD get one of the new AM3+ mobos that are releasing with the 990 chipset. This will give you the ability of swapping out the chip for a new BD chip that will release around August(was June but pushed back to around August). No BIOS updating needed supposedly.

This will give you some future proofing.

 

[mfenn]

The i5 2500K is the obvious choice over the 1090T. It performs better, has better thermals, and is only 20% more expensive. Even the equivalently priced i5 2400 beats the 1090T at everything except for POV-Ray.